During the outcomes of the 21st Ramstein format meeting, held on April 26, in an online mode, the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the allocation of a new package of military aid to Ukraine.
"This is the largest security assistance package that we've committed to date," Austin said.
Read more: HIMARS, Bradley IFVs, Artillery Rounds: Contents of the First $1 Billion US Aid Package Revealed
He outlined that the package will comprise interceptors for the Patriot and NASAMS systems, anti-drone systems, "significant amounts" of artillery ammunition, and anti-aircraft ammunition.
A $6 billion long-term military aid package for Ukraine, part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), involves contracting with the industry to procure the equipment.
According to the official list published by the American defense department, Ukraine can count on:
- missiles for the Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems;
- anti-drone systems;
- ammunition for reactive systems with laser guidance;
- multi-functional and counter-battery radars;
- ammunition for HIMARS;
- 155mm artillery rounds, 152mm artillery rounds;
- precision aviation ammunition;
- UAVs Switchblade and Puma (UAS);
- equipment for integrating Western launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine's air defense systems;
- components to support Ukrainian UAV production and other capabilities;
- tactical cargo trucks, engineer ammunition, small arms and ammunition for them, technical maintenance, etc.
Thus, almost all the $6 billion is allocated to providing for the systems that have already been transferred to Ukraine and those that will be transferred in the future. And this accounts for 43% of the expenditures planned under the USAI program of $13.8 billion, according to the allocation of $61 billion in total funding. Additionally, there are only a few items that do not fall under these categories. It's about firearms, trucks, and radars, with two points being pivotal.
It's "equipment for integrating Western launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukraine's air defense systems," which may entail further implementation of the FrankenSAM project involving the transition of Soviet air defense systems to American missiles. And also about supporting Ukrainian UAV production with American components.
Read more: Long-Range Weapons, Air Defense, Artillery: Key Priorities Announced for Ukraine at Ramstein Meeting
